Overview

This guide describes recommended best practices for managing and operating ocean and inland barges, towboats and tugs that carry and transport crude oil and petroleum products in bulk. The focus is on operations within the USA, but much of the guidance may be relevant to barge operations in other parts of North America and in other regions.

The guide builds on the recommendations in accepted industry publications, such as the International Safety Guide for Oil Tankers and Terminals (ISGOTT). Additionally, this guide is intended to complement any applicable international conventions, national legislation, local laws and Classification Society rules.

Although the guide is primarily intended for use by tug and barge operators, it may also be of interest to prospective charterers, oil company vetting departments, terminal staff and government officials.

A generic guide such as this is not specific to all types of vessels in all locations. Readers should decide carefully whether to apply the guide in particular circumstances.

References within the guide to particular codes should be checked to verify that only the latest editions of the codes are used.

Content

Introduction

Glossary

Abbreviations

Bibliography

Section One

Safety management

1.1 Safety management system

1.2 Drug and alcohol policy

Section Two

Certification and documentation

2.1 Requirements and recommendations

2.2 Documents and certificates

2.3 Insurance

Section Three

Crew management

3.1 Manning

3.2 Qualifications and training

3.3 Crew manning during cargo transfer operations

3.4 Preventing fatigue

Section Four

Security and vessel access

4.1 International Ship and Port Facility Security Code

4.2 Security arrangements in the USA

4.3 Access between vessel and shore

Section Five

Navigation, communications and electronics

5.1 Vessel operator’s navigation policy

5.2 Voyage planning and equipment testing

5.3 Bridge procedures and avoiding collisions

5.4 Nautical publications, charts and information

5.5 Navigation and communications equipment

Section Six

Cargo and ballast systems and procedures

6.1 Cargo handling equipment

6.2 Cargo handling procedures

6.3 Machinery rooms, pumphouses and pumprooms

6.4 Tank cleaning and gas freeing

6.5 Inert gas systems

6.6 Vapor recovery and venting

6.7 Material safety data

6.8 Static accumulator cargoes

6.9 Requirements for cargoes containing hydrogen sulfide

6.10 Hose handling booms and cranes

Section Seven

Bunkering operations

7.1 Overview

7.2 Bunkering operations

7.3 Vessel to vessel bunkering operations – additional considerations

Section Eight

Vessel to vessel transfers

8.1 Plans and procedures

8.2 Fenders

8.3 Transfer hoses

8.4 Communications

Section Nine

Pollution prevention and response

9.1 Emergency response

9.2 Cargo systems and spill containment

9.3 Inspecting and testing of cargo pipes and hoses

9.4 Spill response equipment

9.5 Oil record book

9.6 Garbage management plan

9.7 Vessel General Permit

Section Ten

Fire-fighting and safety equipment

10.1 Fire prevention

10.2 Fire-fighting equipment

10.3 Personal protective equipment

10.4 Lifesaving equipment

10.5 General alarm system

Section Eleven

Mooring and anchoring

11.1 Mooring

11.2 Anchoring

Section Twelve

Towing/pushing equipment and procedures

12.1 Tug design

12.2 Towing equipment and procedures – tugs

12.3 Towing equipment and procedures – barges

12.4 Tug fendering

12.5 Training and drills

Section Thirteen

Machinery spaces and systems

13.1 Maintenance

13.2 Equipment

13.3 Steering systems

13.4 Hazard control

Section Fourteen

Structural maintenance

14.1 Inspection and gauging

14.2 Corrosion control

Details

Title: USA Barge Operations: Guidelines and Best Practices for Liquid Hydrocarbon Barges and Associated Tugs
Number of Volumes: 1
Edition: First
Number of Pages: 124
Product Code: WS1416K
ISBN: ISBN 13: 978-1-85609-637-9 (9781856096379), ISBN 10: 1-85609-637-8 (1856096378)
Published Date: June 2014
Binding Format: Paperback
Book Height: 210 mm
Book Width: 147 mm
Book Spine: 7 mm
Weight: 0.40 kg
Author: Oil Companies International Marine Forum